Definition
The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor,
and condensation begins if the air is cooled further.
In other words, it is the temperature at which the relative humidity (RH) = 100%.
Below this temperature, water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water (dew,
fog, or frost if below 0°C).
2. Key Concepts
Humidity: Amount of water vapor in the air.
Saturation: Maximum water vapor air can hold at a given temperature.
Relative Humidity (RH): Ratio of actual water vapor pressure to saturation vapor
pressure at that temperature.
𝑅
𝐻
𝑒
=
𝑒
𝑠
×
100
%
RH=
e
s
×100%
Dew Point Relation: Higher dew point = higher moisture content in the air.
3. Physical Meaning
If air is cooled at constant pressure, its capacity to hold water vapor decreases.
At dew point, the air reaches saturation → condensation starts.
Example: Cold drinks on a hot day cause condensation because the glass surface is
below the dew point temperature of surrounding air.
4. Dew Point vs. Relative Humidity (RH)
Dew Point gives an absolute measure of moisture.
Relative Humidity depends on both temperature & moisture.
For the same RH, dew point differs at different temperatures.
5. Comfort Levels (Human Perception)
Dew Point (°C) Comfort Level
< 10°C Dry air
10–15°C Comfortable
16–20°C Slightly humid
21–24°C Uncomfortable
25–26°C Oppressive
> 26°C Extremely uncomfortable
6. Mathematical Formulas
Magnus Formula (Approximate):
𝑇
𝑑
𝑏
=
𝛼
⋅
𝑇
(
𝑅
,
𝑎
)
𝛼
−
𝑇
(
𝑅
,
𝐻
)
T
d
=
a−α(T,RH)
b⋅α(T,RH)
where
𝑇
(
𝑅
,
𝐻
)
𝑎
=
𝑇
𝑏
𝑇
+
+
ln
𝑅
(
𝐻
100
)
α(T,RH)=
b+T
aT
+ln(
100
RH
𝑇
𝑑
T
d
= Dew Point Temperature (°C)
𝑇
T = Air Temperature (°C)
𝑅
𝐻
RH = Relative Humidity (%)
𝑎
Constants:
=
17.27
𝑏
,
=
237.7
𝐶
°
a=17.27,b=237.7°C
Simplified Relation:
𝑅
At
𝐻
=
100
%
𝑇
RH=100%,
𝑇
=
T
d
=T.
7. Measurement Methods
Dew Point Hygrometer: Cools a polished surface until dew forms.
Electronic Sensors: Measure resistance or capacitance change due to moisture.
Psychrometers: Indirect measurement using dry-bulb & wet-bulb temperatures.
8. Applications
Weather Forecasting: Predicts fog, dew, frost, or rainfall possibility.
Comfort Index: Air conditioning, HVAC design use dew point for indoor comfort.
Industrial Processes:
Natural gas processing (prevent condensation in pipelines).
Pharmaceutical & chemical industries (humidity control).
Paints & coatings (to avoid surface condensation).
Aviation & Transportation: Helps predict visibility issues due to fog or frost.
9. Examples
Example 1:
Air temperature = 30°C, RH = 50%.
Using Magnus formula → Dew Point ≈ 18°C.
Example 2:
If Dew Point = 25°C → Air is very humid → Even with 35°C temperature, conditions
feel oppressive.
10. Important Points to Remember
Dew point is always ≤ air temperature.
Higher dew point → higher moisture content → humid and uncomfortable.
If dew point < 0°C → frost forms instead of liquid dew.
Dew point is more reliable than RH to describe atmospheric moisture.
